India's palace hotels fit for a king

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Updated 2:54 AM ET, Tue May 21, 2013

India's royal hotels12 photos

Umaid Bhavan, Jodhpur – The spectacular sandstone exterior of the Umaid Bhavan palace in the state of Rajasthan, northwest India. Still the primary residence of the royal Maharaja of Jodhpur, a third of the facility was transformed into a hotel in 1972.

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India's royal hotels12 photos

Umaid Bhavan, Jodhpur – Visitors can purchase a night in one of Umaid Bhavan's basic suites for $450 a night or splash out $1,500 for a room with a spa. Those fortunate enough may even cross paths with the Maharaja himself during their stay.

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India's royal hotels12 photos

Raj Palace, Jaipur – Home to regional royalty as far back as the 18th century, the Raj Palace in Jaipur has been voted the world's leading heritage hotel at the World Travel Awards for the last five years.

Rambagh Palace, Jaipur – Rambagh Palace in Jaipur housed regional royalty from the early years of the 20th century until 1957 when it was transformed into a luxury hotel. The facility has since hosted illustrious travelers such as Prince Charles and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

Devi Garh, Delwara – The picturesque Devi Garh by lebua, roughly 30 kilometers from the city of Udaipur, was royal residence to the rulers of Delwara principality from the 18th until the mid-20th century.

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India's royal hotels12 photos

Devi Garh, Delwara – Today, the fort-palace situated high in the hills enables travelers to dine, sleep and relax like royalty whilst drinking in the majestic surroundings of the Indian countryside.

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India's royal hotels12 photos

Deogarh Mahal, Deogarh – The brightly colored exterior of the Deogarh Mahal hotel in the state of Rajasthan. Once home to some of the most powerful feudal barons in the region, the rural residence is now a popular stop-off for well-to-do tourists.

Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad – Another of the Taj Group's palatial Indian properties, Falaknuma Palace was once home to the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad.

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India's royal hotels12 photos

Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad – The elaborate ballroom at the Taj Falaknuma. Transforming the palace into a 60-suite hotel whilst maintaining the buildings regal character took the Taj Group the best part of 10 years.

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Story highlights

Some of India's most spectacular royal palaces are opening up their facilities to paying tourists

The practice provides an authentic way for travelers to experience India's rich cultural heritage

It also ensures the upkeep of some of the country's most spectacular historical buildings

Drawbridges, moats and towering turrets that bear menacing defensive positions -- royal households have traditionally taken to fighting off outsiders with an array of medieval deterrents.

In the Indian city of Jodhpur however, one regal residence has parted with ancient convention and opened its doors to visitors from across the globe.

For the princely sum of $450 a night, travelers can snap up a basic suite in the spectacular Umaid Bhavan.

The elaborate 347-room palace is home to the Maharaja of Jodhpur, and is one of the largest private residences in the world.

After the Indian government abolished privy purses (a regular allowance the state gave royal families) in 1972, the Maharaja sought to cut costs and converted a third of the palace into a luxury hotel.

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"It's as if you are stepping back in time and you can have that same experience but with air conditioning, with WiFi and your Grohe shower head," said Raymond Bickson, managing director and CEO of the Taj Group.

Across India, many other former royal households and stately buildings have opened up in a similar way, taking advantage of the country's burgeoning tourist trade.

The practice has helped maintain the architectural splendor of the palaces in question whilst providing an authentic way for travelers to experience India's rich cultural heritage -- if they have the money.

Check out some of the most spectacular Indian palace hotels in the gallery above.